Author: Stephanie Gomez

On Monday, June 19 an ATU Local 113 delegation attended a rally for mayoral candidate Olivia Chow.

President Marvin Alfred delivered remarks and spoke about how Olivia Chow will be a champion for public transit.

We are one week away from election day. Torontonians will have a chance to go to the polls and vote for change.

ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred along with union representatives attended a rally for mayoral candidate Olivia Chow this evening.

Representatives included ATU Local 113 board members Brian Connelly, Matthew Chau, Aleem Tharani, Ross Zambri, Shop Steward Mohsin Patel and members Corrie Branch, Mike Marges, and Zain Khurram.

“Olivia Chow has always stood up for working people, bringing her experience and compassion to fight for good jobs, good public transit, and good public services,” said ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred. “She is the only candidate who will make Toronto more affordable, safe, and caring. Most importantly, it’s how much Olivia knows about the issues that are impacting Toronto that make her the best choice for mayor to lead Toronto.”

“When I met with Olivia to talk about running for Mayor, it was refreshing to hear how well she knew the issues facing riders, transit workers and managing and operating the TTC. She knows this because she rides transit daily and has been invested in making it better for all. This knowledge and commitment are what matters in this election. Toronto deserves a mayor who will ensure a responsible City Council that is truly accountable to Torontonians,” he said.

Together we can get Olivia Chow elected as Mayor, fix the TTC, and keep Toronto moving. Let’s get out there and make this happen.

TTC drivers were assaulted more than 50 times over the first four months of 2023, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all violent incidents across the bus network during that same time period. ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred spoke to CP24 about the rise in violence against transit workers.

“We have a system where by design the TTC is having people wait longer periods of time for the service they have always had, we are having more crowding in vehicles by design and that can only lead to greater customer frustration,” said Marvin Alfred. “Members of the public, teenagers, people going to work, school are taking the frustrations out on transit workers and that is not where their frustrations should be directed.”

To read the full story, visit: https://www.cp24.com/news/it-is-being-normalized-a-closer-look-at-the-violence-faced-by-ttc-operators-1.6446840

ATU Local 113 heroes share their stories of keeping Toronto safe and saving lives with Mayoral Candidate Olivia Chow

Members of ATU Local 113 do more than just operate and maintain the TTC. We are the eyes and ears of the transit system. We work with riders every day to improve service and keep Toronto moving and are often the first on the scene to solve a crisis or save a life.

Olivia Chow, who we hope will be the next Mayor of Toronto, has invited members to tell their own stories in their own words.

In a series of videos, we will hear the stories of members who stepped in to save lives. It includes other road users in danger, a toddler who had wandered onto the tracks, and a rider who found himself in crisis with nobody to turn to.

“Quality public transit is about so much more than just running vehicles. Having capable, compassionate workers is the only way to keep everyone safe,” said transit rider and mayoral candidate Olivia Chow. “ATU Local 113 members are the cornerstone of building a more caring city. Workers need to be supported, respected, and most importantly, listened to. I am honoured to be able to hear and share their stories.”

“They might not use the word to describe themselves, but these workers are heroes,” said ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred. “These stories are just a few examples of the kind of work that every single one of our members does.”

A TTC bus driver saved the lives of four people before a train destroyed their car. Hear Raj share his story with mayoral by-election candidate, Olivia Chow.

Members of ATU Local 113 do more than just operate and maintain the TTC. We are the eyes and ears of the transit system. We work with riders every day to improve service and keep Toronto moving and are often the first on the scene to solve a crisis or save a life.

Olivia Chow, who we hope will be the next Mayor of Toronto, has invited members to tell their own stories in their own words.

In a series of videos, we will hear the stories of members who stepped in to save lives. It includes other road users in danger, a toddler who had wandered onto the tracks, and a rider who found himself in crisis with nobody to turn to.

“Quality public transit is about so much more than just running vehicles. Having capable, compassionate workers is the only way to keep everyone safe,” said transit rider and mayoral candidate Olivia Chow. “ATU Local 113 members are the cornerstone of building a more caring city. Workers need to be supported, respected, and most importantly, listened to. I am honoured to be able to hear and share their stories.”

“They might not use the word to describe themselves, but these workers are heroes,” said ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred. “These stories are just a few examples of the kind of work that every single one of our members does.”

Watch Transit Workers Tell Their Stories:

A track inspector, Chris, shares his story with Olivia Chow of saving a young rider in crisis by listening and caring.

DISCLAIMER: This video contains sensitive content. Viewer discretion is advised.

The City of Toronto by-election is taking place on Monday, June 26.

Advanced polls open next week on June 8th.

If you are eligible, we encourage you to get out and vote early!

You can find your local polling station here: 2023 By-Election for Mayor: Advance Vote Locations – City of Toronto

ATU Local 113 has learned of an assault on a transit worker that happened earlier today while the operator waited to take over her streetcar at the intersection of King and Sumach. She was attacked and pushed face down to the pavement, sustaining injuries to her face. She has since been attended to by Toronto paramedics. The situation is under investigation. ATU Local 113 stands in solidarity with our member and we wish her a speedy and full recovery.

ATU Local 113 continues to call on the City of Toronto and the TTC to step up to enforce severe penalties on those who assault transit workers, and to do everything in their power to make public transit safe.